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Latest findings on national awareness of smart meters and their impact on households from Smart energy outlook

4th August 2017

Smart Energy GB, the voice of the smart meter rollout, today publishes the latest edition of Smart energy outlook, the largest independent barometer of national public opinion on energy and smart meters.

Smart energy outlook shows that almost everyone in Great Britain is now aware of smart meters.[1] The findings show that the smart meter rollout has become part of our national public consciousness, with 97 per cent of the British population now aware of the new digital meters being rolled out to homes and small businesses in England, Scotland and Wales.

Amongst those who haven’t upgraded to smart meters yet, the appetite to get one installed soon is also high. Smart energy outlook shows that almost half (49 per cent) of those in Great Britain who don’t have a smart meter yet would like to have one installed in the next six months.[2]

For those who have already upgraded, smart meters are an important motivator when it comes to behaviour change and reducing energy waste at home. Eight in ten (80 per cent) of people with a smart meter have taken steps to reduce their energy use, and more than two in three (68 per cent) say they feel more conscious about their energy use.

Smart energy outlook also shows that people across Britain are very satisfied with their smart meters, with around three quarters (76 per cent) saying they would recommend one to others. And as the pool of people with smart meters grows, the number of people who would recommend the new technology does too – now more than 4.5 million people.

Smart energy outlook is carried out for Smart Energy GB, twice a year, by independent research agency Populus. It surveys almost 10,000 people around the country.

Smart meters bring an end to estimated bills and show people what they’re spending in near real time and in pounds and pence, via an IHD. They are installed by energy suppliers at no extra cost.

“It’s great to hear that so many people say they would like to get a smart meter from their energy supplier.

“I hope that many more people feel inspired to contact their supplier and ask for their smart energy upgrade, so they can enjoy the benefits of accurate bills and being able to see the gas and electricity they’re using in pounds and pence.

“With eight in ten people with a smart meter taking steps to reduce energy waste at home, this Smart energy outlook shows that more people than ever want to get involved with Britain’s smarter, greener future. Smart meters are building a digitised energy system – it’s great to see so many people getting on board and benefiting from the new technology in their home.”

[1] Based on adult population of 48 million aged 21+ (ONS). All references to people in Great Britain refer to this 21+ population base

[2] This refers to people who haven’t upgraded to a smart meter yet, but who say they are likely to contact their energy supplier about a smart meter installation or accept an offer of one, within the next six months

Smart Energy GB is the voice of the smart meter rollout. It’s our task to help everyone in Great Britain understand smart meters, the national rollout and how to use their new meters to get their gas and electricity under control. Our national campaign is reaching households and microbusinesses in England, Scotland and Wales.

About smart meters and the rollout

Smart meters replace the traditional meters we currently have in our homes. They enable accurate bills, near real time information on energy use in pounds and pence, and greater control over the way we buy and use energy. The smart meter rollout is an essential technology upgrade, unprecedented in its scale, to improve Great Britain’s energy infrastructure.

Almost 7 million smart meters have already been installed in homes and microbusinesses and every household in England, Scotland and Wales will be offered one at no additional cost. Contact your energy supplier today about installing your smart meter.